Hapoel Rishon LeZion Edges Maccabi Petah Tikva in Dramatic Overtime Thriller

Hapoel Rishon LeZion, the reigning champions, secured a dramatic 77-76 overtime victory against Maccabi Petah Tikva in a thrilling Women's National League game on Sunday. The win keeps Rishon LeZion perfect with three wins in three games, while Petah Tikva remains winless.

Petah Tikva dominated the early stages of the game, building a significant lead fueled by Lorraine Taylor's 25 points and 11 assists. Their advantage reached as high as 15 points, and was still 12 with seven minutes remaining in regulation. However, Rishon LeZion mounted an impressive 18-6 comeback run, capped by a clutch shot from Rotem Shtaykelro assisted by Eden Zipfel, to tie the game.

Zipfel had an opportunity to win the game at the end of regulation but missed, as did Taylor on the other end, sending the contest into overtime. Rishon LeZion took their first lead of the game early in the extra period, extending it to five points after another basket by Shtaykelro. Petah Tikva, led by Taylor and Gabriela Nikitinaite, fought back, narrowing the deficit to a single point in the final seconds.

In a dramatic turn of events, Zipfel lost the ball, giving Petah Tikva a chance for a game-winning basket. However, Zipfel quickly redeemed herself by stealing the ball back from Noa Washdi, securing the victory for Rishon LeZion. Daisy Young led the champions with 21 points and 9 rebounds, supported by 19 points from Anastasia Boldirova, 14 from Kiki Jefferson, and a double-double of 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists from Zipfel.